Bell's professional experience includes working as an attorney, state prosecutor, and legal representative. He earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1988 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995.

Issue positions

Bell's official website lists his main issues as mental health reform, better schools, and public safety.[2]
He has worked to pass laws in each area:

Mental health reform - "established clear lines of responsibility and oversight over those receiving outpatient care," "revised standard for involuntary commitment," and "colleges can inform parents when their child might seriously harm himself or others."

Better schools - "Ban criminal sex offenders from schools during school hours," "Require schools to establish bullying prevention programs," "Require schools to notify parents when a child is a victim of a crime," and "Require additional background checks for school teachers."

Public safety - "New drunk driving laws crack down on repeat offenders and “super drunk” drivers," "Laws to mandate jail for drunks who drive with children in the car," "Laws to promote prosecution of child pornographers and sexual predators," and "Laws to keep violent sexual predators off of school property during school hours."